by Tim Bojarski, president, UNY USHWA

Akron, NY — Stephen A. Flanigen Jr., 75, longtime owner, trainer and driver in western New York, died on November 19, 2014 of natural causes.

Steve Flanigen got his start in harness racing after getting interested in the sport through his uncle (Charles Flanigen). He got his license in 1962 at the age of 23 and cut his teeth at the track while working full time on the railroad.

After racing one or two of his own horses and picking up a catch drive every now and then, Mr. Flanigen’s public stable took off in the early 1980’s. Through sharp claims and private purchases, he put together a powerful string of race horses that filled the top classes at both Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway for many years.

Dorado Drummond, Citronnelle, Rascal Lew J, Danny Fo, Hurry Murray and Avon Sandy are just a few of the horses that pushed Mr. Flanigen to the top of the trainer and driver standings in western New York from 1982 to 1986. He also campaigned successfully at Vernon Downs, the Meadows, Lake Shore Meadows and Rosecroft Raceway during that time.

Steve Flanigen drove his last race in 1992 and turned the lines over to his son, Jack, while he continued to train full time. During his career he drove 256 winners that earned $624,552.00 in purse money. As a conditioner, Mr. Flanigen sent another 456 winners to post that brought home $844,515.00 in proceeds.

Steve Flanigen was one of the most-liked horsemen on the local circuit and was always happy to help out his fellow horsemen. Whereas he was quite adept at racing pacers, he was particularly skilled at hanging up a trotter and his successes with students of that gait were a trademark throughout his career.

When not in the paddock, Mr. Flanigen enjoyed playing cards and bowling and was quite accomplished at both.

Mr. Flanigen was the beloved husband of Mary (Murphy); devoted father of Jack (Diane), David (Rachelle) and Shannon (Craig) Whylly; loving grandfather of five; dear brother of Florence, Lallah (John) Cummings and the late Edwin, Sally and Mary; son of the late Stephen and Emma (Lore) Flanigen; brother-In-Law of Jack Murphy.

Friends may call Tuesday (Nov. 25) from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the James W. Cannan Funeral Home (Southtowns Chapel), 3155 Orchard Park Rd. The funeral will be held on Wednesday (Nov. 26) at 9:30 at Our Mother of Good Council Church, 3688 South Park Ave, Blasdell, NY.